Centralized management system for programmable medical devices

ABSTRACT

A centralized management system for medical devices includes a network, a central server coupled to the network, and a medical device programmer coupled to the network. The central server includes at least one prescription system for prescribing at least one programmable parameter of a medical device based on at least one characteristic of a patient. The medical device programmer communicates at least one characteristic of a patient to the central server via the network, receives at least one parameter from the central server via the network, and programs the medical device using the at least one parameter. In one embodiment, the central server hosts expert prescription systems defined by multiple experts, and a user selects one of the expert prescription systems. In another embodiment, the central server hosts a custom prescription system defined by the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of programmable medicaldevices. More particularly, this invention relates to a managementsystem for medical devices that have at least one parameter that isprogrammable based upon at least one characteristic of a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Implantable medical devices are commonly used for treating variousmedical conditions, many of which relate to the heart. For example,cardiac rhythm management (CRM) implantable devices are often implantedin patients to deliver therapy to the heart.

CRM implantable devices include, for example, cardiac pacemakers or“pacers”. Pacers deliver timed sequences of low energy electricalstimuli, called “pace pulses”, to the heart via an intra vascularleadwire or catheter (referred to as a “lead”) having one or moreelectrodes disposed in or about the heart. The pace pulses initiateheart contractions in a process called “capturing” the heart. Byproperly timing the delivery of the pace pulses, a heart with anirregular cardiac rhythm (i.e., a cardiac arrhythmia) can be induced tocontract with a proper rhythm, thereby improving its efficiency as apump. Pacers are often used to treat patients with bradyarrhythmias(i.e., hearts that beat too slowly, or beat irregularly).

CRM implantable devices also include cardioverters or defibrillatorsthat are capable of delivering higher energy electrical stimuli to theheart. Defibrillators are often used to treat patients withtachyarrhythmias (i.e., hearts that beat too quickly). Such too-fastheart rhythms can cause the heart to pump inefficiently since the heartis not allowed sufficient time to fill with blood before contracting toexpel the blood. A defibrillator is capable of delivering a high energyelectrical stimulus that is sometimes referred to as a “defibrillationcountershock”. The countershock interrupts the tachyarrhythmia to allowthe heart to re-establish a normal rhythm for efficiently pumping theblood. Still other types of CRM implantable devices include, forexample, pacer/defibrillators that combine the functions of both pacersand defibrillators, drug delivery devices, or any other implantablemedical devices that are used for diagnosing and/or treating cardiacarrhythmias.

CRM implantable devices are often capable of delivering therapy to theheart of a patient in a manner that depends on one or more parametersthat can be set or adjusted by the patient's physician. For example, apacer may have programmable parameters such as atrioventricular (AV)delay (i.e., the length of time between an atrial sensed or atrial pacedevent and the delivery of a ventricular output pulse), an LV offset(i.e., the length of time between a sensed or paced event in a firstventricle and the delivery of an output pulse to a second ventricle), atarget heart rate, whether or not to turn on rate smoothing, smoothingpercentage for increasing rate, smoothing percentage for decreasingrate, etc. The programmable parameters depend on the particular CRMimplantable device, and are typically intended to be programmed basedupon the physician's evaluation of the patient.

The primary clinical tool that allows a physician to set or updateprogrammable parameters of a CRM implantable device is a medical deviceprogrammer. Such medical device programmers often use inductive coils toprovide bidirectional telemetry between the programmer and theimplantable device. By using such a programmer, a physician can receiveand view stored cardiac and system data from the implantable device, andcan send programming instructions back down to the implantable device.Thus, programmers allow physicians to set or adjust the programmableparameters of implantable medical devices.

As additional therapeutic features are introduced into CRM implantabledevices, programming such devices to provide optimal therapy for aparticular patient has become an increasingly complicated task formedical practitioners. For example, many medical practitioners who mayimplant only a few devices per year do not have the time nor theresources that would be needed to optimally program such devices. Evenpractitioners more familiar with such devices, such as physicians whoperform perhaps 50 implants per year and who may know how to createcustom profiles for particular classes of patients for particulardevices, typically do not have the time nor the resources to staycurrent with each new development in the field. Such problems are likelyto worsen as the number of different types of implantable devicesincreases, and as each type of implantable device becomes more complex.As a result of such problems, many if not most practitioners use onlythe factory-set, default parameters of CRM implantable devices, whileother medical practitioners may adjust only a subset of the parametersfrom the factory-set parameters. While using default parameters mayprovide adequate therapy for a generalized class of patients, the use ofsuch parameters often does not provide optimal therapy for a particularpatient.

Thus, even though medical device programmers give medical practitionersthe capability to set or update the programmable parameters of CRMimplantable devices, the medical practitioners often lack the resourcesand the knowledge that would be needed to optimally program such devicesto provide optimal therapy for particular patients. This problem islikely to worsen as new types of CRM implantable devices are developed,and as new and additional features are added to new and existing CRMimplantable devices. As a result, the therapeutic benefits of suchdevices may not reach their full potential.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an improved system andmethod for programming CRM implantable medical devices that solves theseand other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a centralizedmanagement system for medical devices includes a network, a centralserver coupled to the network, and a medical device programmer alsocoupled to the network. The central server includes at least oneprescription system for prescribing at least one programmable parameterof a medical device based upon at least one characteristic of a patient.The medical device programmer communicates at least one characteristicof a patient to the central server via the network, receives at leastone programmable parameter from the central server via the network, andprograms the medical device using the at least one programmableparameter.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a centralserver for use in a centralized management system for medical devicesincludes a network interface for communicating with a medical deviceprogrammer over a network, and at least one prescription system coupledto the network interface. Each prescription system is able to receive atleast one characteristic of a patient from the medical device programmervia the network, to prescribe at least one programmable parameter of amedical device based upon the at least one characteristic of thepatient, and to transmit the at least one prescribed programmableparameter to the medical device programmer via the network.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a medical deviceprogrammer for use in a centralized management system for medicaldevices includes a network interface for communicating with a centralserver over a network, a medical device interface for communicating witha medical device, and a processor coupled to the network interface andthe medical device interface. The processor communicates at least onecharacteristic of a patient to the central server via the network,receives at least one prescribed parameter of the medical device fromthe central server via the network, and programs the medical deviceusing the at least one prescribed parameter via the medical deviceinterface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofprogramming a programmable medical device includes determining at leastone characteristic of a patient at a medical device programmer,communicating the at least one characteristic to a central server,determining at least one programmable parameter for a medical devicebased upon the at least one characteristic using a prescription systemhosted by the central server, communicating the at least oneprogrammable parameter to the medical device programmer, and programmingthe medical device using the at least one programmable parameter.

These and various other features as well as advantages whichcharacterize the present invention will be apparent to a person ofordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detaileddescription and reviewing the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a centralized management system forimplantable medical devices that have at least one parameter that isprogrammable based upon at least one characteristic of a patient, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram including one implantable medical device fromFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram including one medical device programmer fromFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram including the central server from FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating prescription system selection logicof the centralized management system of FIG. 1, which allows a user toselect a customized prescription system defined by that user, or toselect one of a plurality of expert prescription systems;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram representing a custom prescription systemdefined by a user for determining a set of parameters for use inprogramming an implantable medical device;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary logic for programming animplantable medical device using the custom prescription system of FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram representing an expert prescription systemdefined by an expert for determining a set of parameters for use inprogramming an implantable medical device; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary logic for programming animplantable medical device using the expert prescription system of FIG.8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like componentsthroughout the views. These embodiments are described in sufficientdetail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, andit is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or thatother embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical andelectrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. The following description is, therefore, not tobe taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is definedby the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring to FIG. 1, a centralized management system 100 for implantablemedical devices is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. System 100 includes a network 102, a central server104 coupled to network 102, one or more medical device programmers 106coupled to network 102, and one or more expert clients 108 also coupledto network 102. In system 100, each medical device programmer 106 andeach expert client 108 is capable of communicating with central server104 via network 102. In another embodiment of the invention, system 100does not include any of the expert clients.

In one embodiment, network 102 is a wide area network (WAN) that allowsfor bidirectional communications to occur over a wide geographic area.For example, network 102 may include point-to-point unswitched privatecommunication lines such as T1 or T3 lines, or switched lines like thoseof the public switched telephone network (PSTN), ISDN lines, etc. Foranother example, network 102 includes the Internet. Using a WANeliminates or reduces any geographic restrictions placed on thelocations of central server 104, medical device programmer(s) 106, andexpert client(s) 108, and any two of these components can be physicallylocated close to one another, far from one another, or any distance inbetween. In various embodiments, the communications between centralserver 104, programmer(s) 106 and expert client(s) 108 takes place overan electrical, optical, radio-frequency (RF), or wireless communicationmedium, or a combination of such communication mediums.

In another embodiment, network 102 is a local area network (LAN) thatallows for communications to occur over a local geographic area, such aswithin a building or complex. For example, network 102 may include anEthernet or token ring network in a hospital or hospital complex. In yetanother embodiment, network 102 is a metropolitan area network (MAN)generally covering a metropolitan geographic area such as a city, townor county.

Central server 104 hosts at least one prescription system forprescribing at least one programmable parameter of a medical devicebased on at least one characteristic of a patient. The at least onepatient characteristic is received by central server 104 from any of themedical device programmers 106 via network 102, and the at least oneprescribed programmable parameter is then transmitted back to thatprogrammer via network 102 for use in programming a medical device thatwill provide therapy for the patient. Thus, by executing a prescriptionsystem, central server 104 is capable of prescribing one or moreprogrammable parameters for a medical device based upon at least onecharacteristic of a patient. In one embodiment, central server 104includes a computer system and software that are dedicated to hostingthe at least one prescription system. In another embodiment, centralserver 104 includes software that executes on a computer system thatruns other applications. Central server 104 may thus include acombination of hardware and software, or software only. Central server104, and its operation in system 100, is described further below.

Each medical device programmer 106 communicates at least onecharacteristic of a patient to central server 104 via network 102, andreceives at least one prescribed programmable parameter of a medicaldevice from central server 104 via network 102. Each medical deviceprogrammer 106 receives the at least one characteristic from any or allof a number of different sources (described below), and uses the atleast one prescribed parameter to program an implantable medical device110 coupled to the programmer 106. Each medical device programmer 106,and its operation in system 100, is described further below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each medical device programmer 106 allows amedical practitioner (e.g., a physician, nurse, technician, etc.) toprogram an implantable medical device 110. In one embodiment, eachimplantable medical device 110 is a cardiac rhythm management (CRM)implantable device such as a pacer, a cardioverter or defibrillator, apacer/defibrillator, or another type of CRM implantable device such as adrug delivery or another type of implantable medical device used todiagnose or treat cardiac arrhythmias.

In another embodiment, any or all of medical device programmers 106 iscoupled to, and is capable of programming, another type of implantablemedical device that is programmed according to the individualcharacteristics of the patient, but is not used to diagnose or treatcardiac arrhythmias. For example, any or all of programmers 106 may becoupled to, and be capable of programming, an implantable drug deliverydevice that is not used for CRM purposes. In yet another embodiment, anyor all of programmers 106 is coupled to, and is capable of programming,a non-implantable medical device that is programmed according to theindividual characteristics of the patient. For example, any or all ofprogrammers 106 may be coupled to, and be capable of programming, anexternal pacer that is disposed on the chest of a patient in order todeliver therapeutic pace pulses.

In one embodiment, centralized management system 100 is capable ofprogramming just one type of medical device. For example, system 100could be capable of programming only a particular type of pacer. Inanother embodiment, system 100 can program more than one type of medicaldevice. In this embodiment, any of multiple types of medical devices canbe programmed using any of medical device programmers 106. For example,a practitioner equipped with a programmer 106 can use central server 104to prescribe a first set of programming parameters to program a pacerfor a first patient, and a second set of programming parameters toprogram a defibrillator (or another type of pacer) for a second patient.In one embodiment, programmer 106 identifies the type of medical devicebeing programmed (e.g., from a user input), and transmits thatinformation to the central server.

Note that a CRM or non-CRM implantable medical device is programmable byan appropriate medical device programmer 106 regardless of whether ornot that device has actually been implanted into the body of a patient.For example, an implantable pacer can be programmed before that pacer isimplanted into the body of a patient, and can also be programmed whenthat pacer is outside the body (e.g., before being implanted). Thus, an“implantable” medical device refers to a medical device that is capableof being implanted into the body of a patient, regardless of whether ornot that device is actually implanted.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, system 100 includes one or more expertclients 108. Each expert client 108 is used by an expert to defineand/or update an expert prescription system that is hosted by centralserver 104, via network 102. Each expert prescription system isconfigured by the respective expert to prescribe one or moreprogrammable parameters for a medical device (or different types ofmedical devices) based on at least one characteristic of a patient, inaccordance with the expert's knowledge and skills. In one embodiment,each expert client 108 includes a workstation, personal computer orother computing device that is programmed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. In another embodiment, one or more expert clients 108are hosted by the computer system that serves as central server 104.Each expert client 108, and its operation, is described further below.

In another embodiment, system 100 does not include any expert clients108. In such an embodiment, information representing each expert'sknowledge and skills may be entered directly into central server 104 todefine or update the prescription system of that expert. For example, anexpert could develop an expert system offline, and that expert systemcould be loaded onto central server 104 using a magnetic or opticaldisc, or other medium for data exchange. Alternatively, if centralserver 104 does not include any expert prescription systems, informationrepresenting an expert's knowledge and skills would not be needed.

Thus, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a centralized managementsystem 100 for implantable medical devices 110, which includes a network102, a central server 104, one or more medical device programmers 106,and one or more expert clients 108. Central server 104 includes at leastone prescription system for prescribing at least one programmableparameter of a medical device based on at least one characteristic of apatient. Each medical device programmer 106 is configured to transmit atleast one characteristic of a patient to central server 104 via network102, to receive at least one programmable parameter from central server104 via network 102, and to program an implantable medical device 110using the at least one programmable parameter. The components ofcentralized management system 100 are now described in further detail.While the following discussion often refers to devices 110 as beingimplantable medical devices, devices 110 can be any type of medicaldevice that is programmable based on at least one characteristic of apatient.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram 200 shows an exemplary implantablemedical device 110, in accordance with one embodiment of system 100.Implantable medical device 110 is configured to communicate with one ofmedical device programmers 106 via a communications link 202. In oneembodiment, link 202 uses radio-frequency (RF) signals that can passthrough the body of a patient when device 110 is implanted. In anotherembodiment, link 106 uses optical signals than can pass through thepatient's body when device 110 is implanted. Thus, programmer 106 andimplantable medical device 110 can communicate regardless of whether ornot device 110 is implanted in a patient. These communications supportmonitoring, diagnostic and programming functions of device 110.

In this embodiment, implantable medical device 110 is a pacer that isoperatively coupled to a patient's heart 204 by a pacing lead 206. Thecomponents of implantable medical device 110 include, for example, anatrial sense amplifier 208, a ventricular sense amplifier 210, an atrialstimulating circuit 212, a ventricular stimulating circuit 214, acontroller 216, a memory 218, and an input/output (I/O) interface 220.Device 110 may also include other components that are known to people ofordinary skill in the art, such as an accelerometer (not shown) formeasuring patient activity. The components of implantable medical device110 are housed within an implantable housing (indicated by the brokenlined box in FIG. 1.) that is implanted in the patient's chest cavity(e.g., in the pectoral region).

Atrial sense amplifier 208, ventricular sense amplifier 210, atrialstimulating circuit 212 and ventricular stimulating circuit 214 areoperatively coupled to pacing lead 206 via a pair of conductors 222.Pacing lead 206 includes an atrial sensing electrode 224 and atrialstimulating electrode 226 adapted to be disposed in the right atrialchamber of heart 204, and a ventricular sensing electrode 228 andventricular stimulating electrode 230 adapted to be disposed in theright ventricular chamber of heart 204. Sensed atrial and ventricularelectrical signals generated by sensing electrodes 224 and 228 areapplied to atrial and ventricular sense amplifiers 208 and 210,respectively. Atrial and ventricular stimulating signals generated byatrial and ventricular stimulating circuits 212 and 214 are applied toatrial and ventricular stimulating electrodes 226 and 230, respectively.Atrial sense amplifier 208, ventricular sense amplifier 210, atrialstimulating circuit 212, and ventricular stimulating circuit 214, arealso each operatively coupled to controller 216.

Controller 216 includes a micro-controller or microprocessor which isconfigured to execute a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM)portion of memory 218, and to read and write data to and from a randomaccess memory (RAM) portion of memory 218. In one embodiment, memory 218also includes an electrically-erasable programmable read only memory(EEPROM) portion that is used by the micro-controller or microprocessorfor storing and retrieving one or more programmable parameters for themedical device. By executing the program stored in memory 218,controller 216 is configured to process the atrial and ventricularelectrical signals from atrial and ventricular sense amplifiers 208 and210, and to provide control signals to atrial and ventricularstimulating circuits 212 and 214. In response, stimulating circuits 212and 214 provide stimulating pulses to heart 204 via atrial andventricular stimulating electrodes 226 and 230 at appropriate times. Inother embodiments, controller 216 may include other types of controllogic elements or circuitry.

Implantable medical device 110 is capable of delivering therapy to thepatient in a manner that depends on one or more parameters than can beprogrammed by the patient's physician or other medical practitionerusing medical device programmer 106. For example, in one embodiment,device 110 is a pacer capable of delivering therapy to heart 204 thathas one or more programmable parameters such as an atrioventricular (AV)delay, an LV offset, a target heart rate, whether or not to turn on ratesmoothing, smoothing percentage for increasing rate, smoothingpercentage for decreasing rate, etc. When any of these or otherprogrammable parameters is downloaded to implantable medical device 110from medical device programmer 106, controller 216 stores the receivedparameter value(s) in memory 218. Then, during operation of device 110,controller 216 reads the programmable parameters from memory 218, anduses those values to adjust the operations of device 110.

The implantable medical device shown in FIG. 2 is a dual-chamberpacemaker, since pacemaking functions are provided to both atrial andventricular chambers of the heart. In another embodiment, one or more ofthe implantable medical devices is another type of pacemaker, such as asingle-chamber pacemaker that senses electrical signals and providesstimulating pulses to a single chamber of the heart. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the implantable medical devices is anothertype of CRM device, such as a defibrillator, a pacer/defibrillator, adrug delivery device or another implantable medical device used fordiagnosing or treating cardiac arrhythmias. In another embodiment, oneor more of the implantable medical devices is a non-CRM implantablemedical device such as an implantable drug delivery device not used forCRM purposes. In yet another embodiment, any or all of the medicaldevices programmed by programmer(s) 106 is a non-implantable medicaldevice that is programmed according to the individual characteristics ofthe patient. In each case, the medical device includes a memory such asmemory 218 in which one or more programmable parameters downloaded fromprogrammer 106 is stored for later use.

Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 shows one of medical deviceprogrammers 106, in accordance with one embodiment of system 100.Programmer 106 is configured to communicate with one of implantablemedical devices 110 via communications link 202. In one embodiment,programmer 106 is electrically coupled to a wand 302 that can be movedinto close proximity with a patient 304 to allow RF, optical or acombination of RF and optical signals to pass between wand 302 and amedical device 110 implanted in the patient. Programmer 106 is alsoconfigured to communicate with central server 104 via network 102.

In this embodiment, medical device programmer 106 includes a processor306 and a memory 308 coupled to processor 306 via a communications bus310. By executing a program stored in memory 308, processor 306 isconfigured to perform the functions described herein. Programmer 106also includes an implantable device interface 312, a network interface314, a user input device interface 316, and a user output deviceinterface 318, each of which is coupled to processor 306 via bus 310.Implantable device interface 312 is coupled to wand 302 to allowprocessor 306 to communicate with medical device 110. Network interface314 is coupled to network 102 to allow processor 306 to communicate withcentral server 104. User input device interface 316 is coupled to one ormore user input devices 320 to allow processor 306 to receive inputsfrom a user (e.g., medical practitioner). User input devices 320include, for example, one or more of a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, atouchscreen, a microphone and voice-recognition circuit, a light pen,etc. User output device interface 318 is coupled to one or more useroutput devices 322 to allow processor 306 to provide outputs to theuser. User output devices 322 include, for example, a display, atouchscreen, a printer, a strip-chart recorder, a speaker, etc. In FIG.3, user input device(s) 320 and user output device(s) 322 are shown aspart of programmer 106. Alternatively, any or all of the user inputdevices and user output devices may be external to programmer 106.

Wand 302, and implantable device interface 312, allow programmer 106 totransmit one or more programmable parameters to implantable medicaldevice 110. In addition, in one embodiment, wand 302 and interface 312allow programmer 106 to receive signals from implantable medical device110, such as signals representing one or more characteristics of thepatient. For example, these signals could include, or be derived from,signals sensed by sensing electrodes 224 and 228 (FIG. 2), or by someother sensor implanted in the patient.

User input device(s) 320 allow users (e.g., medical practitioners) toinput data and/or control operations of programmer 106. For example,where programmer 106 can program more than one type of medical device, auser can actuate an input device 320 to generate an input signalspecifying the type of medical device being programmed. For anotherexample, where central server 104 hosts both expert and customprescription systems, a user can actuate an input device 320 to selectbetween the expert and custom prescription systems. For another example,where central server 104 hosts multiple expert prescription systems, auser can actuate an input device 320 to generate an input signalselecting one of the expert prescription systems. For yet anotherexample, where a user can input one or more patient characteristics, theuser can actuate an input device 320 to generate input signalsrepresenting at least one characteristic of patient 304. In each case,data representing the input signals is communicated by programmer 106 tocentral server 104 via network 102 for use by central server 104 inprescribing one or more parameters for the medical device beingprogrammed.

In one embodiment, programmer 106 also includes a patient monitoringsystem interface 324 that is also coupled to processor 306 via bus 310.Interface 324 is coupled to a patient monitoring system 326 to receivesignals that represent at least one characteristic of patient 304. Thesesignals are thus available to processor 306 via bus 310, and arecommunicated by processor 306 to central server 104 via network 102 foruse by central server 104 in prescribing one or more parameters for themedical device being programmed. Patient monitoring system 326 caninclude, for example, a surface electrocardiograph (ECG) system havingone or more sensing electrodes disposed on the patient's chest, or someother type of system for sensing or monitoring one or morecharacteristics of the patient 304.

In one embodiment, programmer 106 includes an interface 328 to a patientrecords computer system 330 that is also coupled to processor 306 viabus 310. Patient records computer system 330 stores patient records,such as the medical record of patient 304. Thus, processor 306 mayaccess the medical records of patient 304, and communicate data fromthis medical record to central server 104 via network 102 for use bycentral server 104 in prescribing one or more parameters for the medicaldevice being programmed. This data may include, for example, generalpatient data such as gender, age, etc. of patient 304, or more specificpatient data such as the results of a particular diagnostic test.Interface 328 may, for example, include a local area network interface328 for accessing patient records computer system 330 over a local areanetwork. By providing access to the patient's record, the amount of datathat needs to be manually input by the medical practitioner may bedecreased. In one embodiment, the medical practitioner entersinformation identifying the patient into programmer 106 which is used inretrieving the medical record for that patient.

Thus, there are a number of ways by which programmer 106 can gather oneor more characteristics of patient 304 for transmittal to central server104. The ways include having a medical practitioner manually enter datausing input device(s) 320, receiving data from implantable medicaldevice 110, receiving data from patient monitoring system 326, and/orreceiving data from patient records computer system 330. In any event,the one or more characteristics of patient 304 are communicated tocentral server 104 via network 102 for use in prescribing one or moreparameters for programming the implantable medical device.

In one embodiment, medical device programmer 106 is similar to the ZOOM™programmer available from the Guidant Corporation of Minnesota, exceptfor the following differences: the addition of interface 314 to centralserver 104; the (optional) addition of interface 324 to patientmonitoring system 326; the (optional) addition of interface 328 topatient records computer system 330; and the configuration (e.g.,programming) of medical device programmer 106 to perform the functionsdescribed in the present application.

Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram 400 shows central server 104, inaccordance with one embodiment of system 100. Central server 104 isconfigured to communicate with any of medical device programmers 106 orexpert clients 108 via network 102. Central server 104 is alsoconfigured to communicate with a system administration terminal 402.

In this embodiment, central server 104 includes a processor 404 alongwith a memory 406, a network interface 408, and a terminal interface410, each coupled to processor 404. By executing a program stored inmemory 406, processor 404 is configured to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Network interface 408 is coupled to network 102 toallow processor 404 to communicate with any of programmers 106 or expertclients 108. Terminal interface 410 is coupled to terminal 402 to allowprocessor 404 to communicate with system administrator terminal 402. Inone embodiment, processor 404 is coupled to the other components 406,408 and 410 of central server 104 via a communications bus (not shown).

Using network interface 408, processor 404 receives one or morecharacteristics of a patient from one of the medical device programmers106 in centralized management system 100, and transmits at least oneprescribed parameter back to that programmer 106 for use in programmingan implantable medical device 110 coupled to that programmer 106. Invarious embodiments, network interface 408 is also involved incommunicating other data between central server 104 and the programmer106, such as signals input by a user to specify the type of medicaldevice being programmed, to select whether to use an expert or customprescription system, or to select which of multiple expert prescriptionsystems to use. In one embodiment, using network interface 408,processor 404 also receives data from one or more expert clients 108which is used for creating or updating one or more expert prescriptionsystems stored in memory 406, in a manner that is further describedbelow.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, central server 104 hosts a number ofprescription systems, including a number of expert prescription systems412. Each expert prescription system 412 comprises an object, includingcode and data, executed by processor 404 when that expert prescriptionsystem is selected. Each expert prescription system 412 is defined by anexpert to prescribe at least one parameter of an implantable medicaldevice based on at least one characteristic of a patient. For example,the expert prescription systems 412 shown in FIG. 4 were defined by anExpert A, an Expert B, and an Expert C. Although three expertprescription systems are shown, central server 104 may include fewerthan or more than three expert prescription systems, each defined by anexpert. As described below, a medical practitioner using a programmer106 can select one expert prescription system 412 to use in prescribinga set of programmable parameters for the implantable medical device. Byselecting such an expert prescription system, the medical practitioneris able to benefit from the knowledge and skills of the expert whodefined that expert prescription system.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, each expert prescription system 412 isdefined by a different expert. This embodiment accounts for the factthat the practice of medicine is not standard. In particular, PhysicianA may provide different advice than Physician B on the same facts, eventhough both physicians are experts, and the advice of each physician issound. In one embodiment, information about the experts is stored bycentral server 104, and is downloaded from central server 104 toprogrammer 106 for presentation to the user to aid the user in selectingwhich expert to select. This information may include the expert's nameand/or biographical information about the expert, such as informationabout the expert's education and/or experience. For example, a usercould be presented with the choice of selecting between a first expertsystem that was defined by a Dr. Smith of the Mayo Clinic, or a secondexpert system that was defined by a Dr. Jones of the Boston Children'sHospital.

In another embodiment, any or all of the expert prescription systems isdefined by a group of experts. For example, the manufacturer of aparticular implantable medical device could define an expertprescription system for that device that combines the knowledge andskills of a team of experts who were involved in the development of thatdevice. For another example, a team of experts could be assigned thetask of working together to define an expert prescription system for aparticular medical device. In each case, a medical practitioner usingsystem 100 could then benefit from the combined knowledge and skills ofthe experts.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, central server 104 also hosts anumber of custom prescription systems 414. Each custom prescriptionsystem 414 comprises an object, including code and data, executed byprocessor 404 when that custom system is selected. Each customprescription system 414 is defined by a user to prescribe at least oneparameter of a medical device based on at least one characteristic of apatient. However, unlike expert prescription systems 412, each customprescription system 414 can only be selected by the user who definedthat system 414. For example, FIG. 4 shows two custom prescriptionsystems 414 that were defined by a User A and a User B. In this case,User A can only access the custom prescription system defined by User A,and cannot access the custom prescription system defined by User B.Conversely, User B can only access the custom prescription systemdefined by User B, and cannot access the custom prescription systemdefined by User A. A User C cannot access the custom prescription systemdefined by either User A or User B. To provide this access control, eachuser is required to logon to system 100 using a login identification.The custom prescription aspects of system 100 are intended for medicalpractitioners who are familiar enough with implantable medical devicesto create custom profiles for particular classes of patients forparticular devices, but are not experts in the field who are in aposition to give programming advice to other medical practitioners.

As described above, each “user” may be a single medical practitioner. Inanother embodiment, each “user” may include a group

of medical practitioners who are associated with each other. Forexample, a single “user” may include two physicians who work closelytogether, and who use centralized management system 100 to shareprogramming data. In this embodiment, the association of thepractitioners is used to insure the quality of the custom prescriptionsystem. Practitioners not part of the association, however, are notallowed to use the custom prescription system since that system was notcreated by an expert.

Thus, in one embodiment, central server 104 includes or hosts a numberof prescription systems, including one or more expert prescriptionsystems and one or more custom prescription systems, that are selectableby a user to prescribe one or more programming parameters of a medicaldevice based on at least one characteristic of a patient. The manner inwhich this selection occurs, in one embodiment, is illustrated in FIG.5.

Referring to FIG. 5, a flow chart 500 illustrates selection logic usedby centralized management system 100 to allow a user of a medical deviceprogrammer 106 to select one of a plurality of prescription systemshosted by central server 104. At 502, a user logon to system 100 isperformed. For example, a user may input his or her user name toprogrammer 106 using a user input device 320. For additional security,the user may also be requested to input a password. Programmer 106communicates the user name and password to central server 104, whichdetermines whether the user is authorized. If so, central server 104sends a message to programmer 106 indicating that the logon wassuccessful, and programmer 106 continues the selection logic. If not,central server 104 sends a message to programmer 106 indicating that theuser is not authorized to use system 100. In one embodiment, system 100presents a message on a user output device 322 to invite theunauthorized user to contact the system administrator to gain access tosystem 100, if that user is interested in doing so. The systemadministrator can then use terminal 402 to register the user as anauthorized user. Alternatively, the unauthorized user can be allowed toregister online to use system 100.

At 504, system 100 determines whether a custom prescription system isdefined for the user. For example, if the user is authorized, centralserver 104 determines whether any of the custom prescription systems 414stored in memory 406 is defined for that user, and communicates theresult to programmer 106. If a custom prescription system 414 is definedfor the user, the user is queried at 506 to determine whether to usethat custom prescription system, or an expert prescription system. Forexample, the query is presented to the user using a user output device322, and the user responds using a user input device 320. Note that theuser is not given the choice of using any of the other customprescription systems since these other systems were not defined by theuser, or by an expert. At 508, system 100 determines whether the userwants to use the custom prescription system. If so, then at 510, system100 selects the custom prescription system defined for that user toprescribe one or more parameters for an implantable medical device 110being programmed by that user.

At 512, if the user wants to use an expert prescription system, or if acustom prescription system is not defined for the user, then system 100queries the user to determine which expert to use. For example, centralserver 104 determines which expert prescription systems 412 are definedfor the implantable medical device 110 being programmed, andcommunicates information about the respective experts to programmer 106for presentation to the user using a user output device 322. The userselects which of the experts to use using a user input device 320. At514, system 100 selects the expert prescription system based on theuser's input. Thus, system 100 allows a user to select a customprescription system defined for the user (if any), or to select oneexpert prescription system from a plurality of expert prescriptionsystems. Central server 104 then uses the selected prescription systemto prescribe the one or more parameters of the implantable medicaldevice being programmed.

In another embodiment, central server 104 hosts a number of expertprescription systems, but does not host any custom prescription systems.In this embodiment, flow chart 500 is modified to eliminate 504,506,508and 510. In another embodiment, central server 104 hosts a number ofcustom prescription systems, but does not host any expert prescriptionsystems. In this embodiment, flow chart 500 is modified to eliminate506, 512 and 514.

Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram 600 represents one customprescription system 414 hosted on central server 104, according to oneembodiment of system 100. Custom prescription system 414 is an object,including code and data, defined by a user to determine a set ofparameters for programming an implantable medical device. The data isillustrated using a table 602 that represents a data structure thatstores information defined by the user. The first column of table 602identifies the type of programmable medical device (e.g., “Device A”).Since the first column can have multiple entries, system 414 can be usedfor programming multiple types of medical devices. In anotherembodiment, system 414 is only used for programming one type of medicaldevice, and the first column can be eliminated.

The second column of table 602 identifies different classes of patientswho may be implanted with the implantable medical device. For example,FIG. 6 indicates that two classes of patients (i.e., Classes I and II)may be implanted with Device A. The number of classes is defined by theuser, and there may be fewer than or more than two classes for eachdevice. For each class, the third column of table 602 provides a patientprofile that defines that class. The profile of each class includes oneor more attributes shared by patients in that class. For example, if apatient exhibits “Attribute 1” and “Attribute 2”, that patient would beclassified as being of Class I. The number of attributes that make u

each patient profile is defined by the user, and each profile mayinclude fewer than or more than two attributes.

Each attribute is typically a function of one or more of the patientcharacteristics that are communicated to central server 104 byprogrammer 106. For example, the function may include a determination ofwhether a particular characteristic is equal to a certain value (e.g.,is the patient female?), is within a range of values (e.g., is the mostrecent measured intrinsic QRS width between 80 and 100 msec?), is lessthan a value (e.g., is the QRS width less than 80 msec?), is greaterthan a value (e.g., is the QRS width greater than 100 msec?), etc. Thefunction may also include a function of two or more characteristics ofthe patient (e.g., is the patient female, and is the QRS width between80 and 100 msec?). The attributes that make up a particular patientprofile will be defined by the user. In one embodiment, programmer 106and central server 104 cooperate to allow the user to create a patientprofile (e.g., when the user selects this option on programmer 106), orto update an existing patient profile.

The fourth column of table 602 specifies a set of programmingparameter(s) for the implantable medical device 110 being programmed fora class of patients who exhibit the patient profile for that class. Forexample, assume that Device A has three programming parametersdesignated Parameter 1, Parameter 2 and Parameter 3. For patientsclassified as belonging to Class I, the parameters for programmingDevice A are specified as Parameter 1=Data 1, Parameter 2=Data 2 andParameter 3=Data 3. For patients classified as belonging to Class II,the parameters for programming Device A are specified as Parameter1=Data 4, Parameter 2=Data 5 and Parameter 3=Data 6. Note that datavalues may be the same or different for any of the parameters (e.g.,Data 1 may or may not equal Data 4).

In one embodiment, table 602 includes a fifth column for storing apatient identifier that uniquely identifies the user's patients whobelong to the particular class of patients. For example, Andrew Adamsand Bill Baxter have been classified as belonging to Class I for thepurposes of programming Device A, while Charlie Carlson has beenclassified as belonging to Class II. Alternatively, another form ofpatient identifier (such as a patient identifier number) could be storedin this field. The patient identifier information may be used by amedical practitioner to help determine the classification of aparticular patient. For example, a medical practitioner who isprogramming Device A for Doug Duncan and believes that Mr. Duncan'scondition is similar to that of Mr. Adams may want to classify Mr.Duncan in the same class as Mr. Adams. In another embodiment, table 602does include the fifth column.

Referring to FIG. 7, a flow chart 700 illustrates logic by which system100 programs an implantable medical device 110 using a customprescription system like that of FIG. 6. This logic is performed whenthe user has selected his or her custom prescription system 414.

At 702, system 100 queries the user to determine what type of medicaldevice 110 is being programmed. For example, in one embodiment, centralserver 104 transmits data identifying the types of medical devicesspecified in the first column of table 602 to programmer 106, andprogrammer 106 presents that data to the user on a user output device322 and receives a signal selecting one of the device types from a userinput device 320. In another embodiment, programmer 106 determines thetype of medical device being programmed from a signal communicated tothe programmer from the medical device. In another embodiment, system100 only programs one type of device, and 702 is not needed.

At 704 and 706, system 100 presents patient class/patient profileinformation for the medical device being programmed to the user, andqueries the user to select a patient class based upon which patientprofile best matches the profile of the patient. For example, in oneembodiment, the patient class/patient profile portion of table 602 iscommunicated from central server 104 to programmer 106, and programmer106 presents that information to the user on a user output device 322and receives a signal selecting one of the classes from a user inputdevice 320. At 708, system 100 downloads the set of programmingparameters for the selected patient class from central server 104 toprogrammer 106. At 710, system 100 presents that set to the user on auser output device 322. At 712 and 714, system 100 queries the user todetermine if these programming parameters are acceptable. If not, system100 allows the user to modify one or more of the parameters at 716, andthen returns to 712 to determine if the parameters are acceptable. Oncethe parameters are acceptable, system 100 uses programmer 106 to programthe implantable medical device 110 using the parameters.

At 720 and 722, system 100 queries the user to determine whether toupdate the user's custom prescription system. If not, the programmingoperation is complete. If so, system 100 updates the custom prescriptionsystem at 724. In one embodiment, system 100 allows the user to add anidentifier for the current patient to the patient identifier field ofthe patient class that the current patient was determined as belongingto. In one embodiment, if any of the programming parameters was modifiedat 716, system 100 allows the user to define a new patient class thatcorresponds to the modified set of programming parameters. Once thecustom prescription system is updated, the programming operation iscomplete.

The use of custom prescription systems may be particularly advantageousor convenient for medical practitioners who practice in multiplelocations (e.g., at three or four different hospitals). By using system100, such practitioners can store programming data in central server 104where that data is always available regardless of where they arepracticing.

In one embodiment, any or all of the expert prescription systems 412 isstructured similarly to custom prescription systems 414, except that theperson who defines and updates the expert prescription system 412 is anexpert in the field. This expert can use one of expert clients 108, orcan use a medical device programmer, to define or update the system 412.

In another embodiment, any or all of expert prescription systems 412comprises an artificial intelligence (AI) engine. Referring to FIG. 8, ablock diagram 800 represents an expert prescription system 412incorporating an AI engine, according to one embodiment of system 100.System 412 is an object, including code and data, defined by an expertto determine a set of parameters for programming a medical device.System 412 includes an AI engine 802, a rule database 804, a user querydatabase 806, a patient profile database 808, and a programmingparameter set database 810. AI engine 802 is built, for example, usingcommercially-available expert-system software. Rule database 804 storesa number of expert system rules for use by AI engine 802. User querydatabase 806 stores a number of user query sets. Patient profiledatabase 808 stores a number of patient profiles, such as those in FIG.6. Programming parameter set database 810 stores a number of programmingparameter sets, such as those in FIG. 6. Expert prescription system 412is developed by having an expert work with AI engine 802 to capture theknowledge and skills of the expert.

Referring to FIG. 9, a flow chart 900 illustrates logic for programminga medical device using the expert prescription system of FIG. 8. At 902,system 100 receives patient characteristic data from one or moresources. For example, programmer 106 receives data from one or more ofthe medical device being programmed, patient monitoring system 326, andpatient records computer system 330. At 904, system 100 selects one ofthe user query sets stored in user query database 806. Each user queryset includes one or more questions about the patient. On the first passthrough this logic, in one embodiment, the selected user query set is abase set of one or more questions that the expert believes is generallyneeded to determine how to program the medical device. At 906, system100 presents the selected user query set to the user using a user outputdevice 322. At 908, system 100 receives answers to the selected userquery set from the user using a user input device 320. At 910, system100 processes the answers, and the patient data from 902, using AIengine 802 to determine one or more possible classes of patients towhich the patient might belong.

At 912, system 100 determines whether the patient might belong to morethan a threshold number of possible classes. The threshold represents areasonable number of possible classes that could be presented to theuser to select from. In one embodiment, the threshold number is four,although other threshold numbers such as two, three, five, etc. could beused. If there are more than the threshold number of possible classes,system 100 returns to 902, so that additional data can be received fromany or all of medical device 110, patient monitoring system 326, patientrecords computer system 330, and the user. Note that the user query setselected at 904 will often contain fewer questions for the user at thisstage, since the user has already answered some questions and system 100is now trying to narrow the number of possible patient classifications.This iterative process continues until system 100 narrows the number ofpossible classes to less than or equal to the threshold number.

At 914, system 100 determines whether there are more than one, but nomore than the threshold number, of possible classes to which the patientmight belong. If so, at 916, system 100 presents patient class/patientprofile data for all of the possible classes to the user to give theuser the opportunity to manually select from among these classes. Forexample, if the threshold number is four, then the user could bepresented with two, three or four possible patient profiles. At 918,system 100 determines if the user wants to select one of the possibleclasses. The user can input his or her decision using a user inputdevice 320. If not, system 100 returns to 902 to gather additionalinformation in an attempt to further narrow the number of possibleclasses. If so, system 100 downloads the set of programming parametersfor the selected class from central server 104 to programmer 106 at 922,queries the user to determine if these parameters are acceptable at 924and 926, and programs the implantable medical device using theprogramming parameters if acceptable at 928. If the parameters are notacceptable, system 100 queries the user to determine if the user wantsto try another prescription system at 930 and, if so, returns to theselection logic (FIG. 5).

At 914, system 100 determines whether there is one and only one possibleclass to which the patient might belong. If so, system 100 performs theprogramming procedure of 922, 924, 926, 928, 930 described above. If,however, system 100 is unable to determine any possible classes to whichthe patient might belong, then the query “Patient classification notavailable. Try again?” is presented to the user at 932, and system 100either allows the user to try another prescription system, or endswithout programming the medical device.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the user is not given the option ofmodifying the set of programming parameters determined by the expertprescription system. This prevents the user from modifying the set in animproper manner. In another embodiment, the user is given the option ofmodifying the set of programming parameters determined by the expertprescription system as was discussed in relation to 716 in FIG. 7. Ineither case, however, the user is not given the ability of modifying theprescription system defined by the expert.

In one embodiment, the administrator of system 100 contracts with anumber of experts to define the expert prescription systems, and toupdate the expert prescription systems at predetermined intervals. Forexample, a particular expert may be given an obligation to update theexpert prescription system that she created every six months. This willhelp to insure that the expert prescription systems reflect the currentstate of the art. Client systems 108 allow the experts to update theirprescription systems conveniently. In one embodiment, each expertprescription system includes a “valid” flag which is set to an invalidstate if the expert prescription system is not updated by the expert ina timely fashion, and system 100 prevents the selection of any expertprescription system which is not valid. By enlisting experts to createand update the expert prescription systems, the knowledge and skills ofthe experts can be leveraged by being made available to any users ofsystem 100.

To update an expert prescription system, an expert may, for example, usethe AI engine 802 to add a new rule to rule database 804, to delete arule from rule database 804, or to modify a rule in rule database 804.For example, an expert may learn that it is important to determineanother piece of information about a patient in order to prescribe a setof programming parameters, or may learn that another set of programmingparameters provides improved therapy for a particular class of patient.By working with AI engine 802, the expert can change or update the rulesin rule database 804 to reflect this new knowledge.

In one embodiment, central server 104 further includes a prescriptionverification system that is used to help insure that the custom and/orexpert prescription systems are acceptable. In one embodiment, theprescription verification system includes a set of rules, or an AIsystem, that is used to evaluate a prescription system. For example, oneof the rules could be that a pacemaker may not be set to operate in amonitoring mode only. Generally, these rules are designed to catch majorproblems in the definition of the prescription systems that would beobviously incorrect to a person of skill in the art, rather than tryingto catch subtle errors. In one embodiment, if the prescriptionverification system finds a violation of any of the rules, system 100attempts to alert the physician (e.g., by automatically paging orsending an email to the physician). In another embodiment, system 100does not allow the user or expert to define or update the prescriptionsystem if a rule violation is detected. In another embodiment, system100 informs the user or expert when a rule violation is detected, andrequests confirmation from the user or expert before modifying theprescription system.

CONCLUSION

The above description and the accompanying drawings are intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. For example, while the above description concentrates onthe programming of implantable medical devices, system 100 may be usedfor programming non-implantable medical devices. Also, while some of thefunctions of system 100 are described as being performed by a medicaldevice programmer, the central server or an expert client, it should beunderstood that the distribution of the functions within system 100 canbe modified as would be apparent to a person of skill in the art.Further, while this application describes particular embodiments of thecustom prescription systems and expert prescription systems, it shouldbe understood that these prescription systems can be defined in a numberof different ways by the users and by the experts. For example, a usercould also use an expert system to help define his or her customprescription system. The scope of the present invention should thereforebe determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A centralized management system for medical devices, comprising: anetwork; a central server coupled to the network and including at leastone prescription system for prescribing at least one programmableparameter of a medical device based upon at least one characteristic ofa patient; and a medical device programmer coupled to the network andconfigured to communicate at least one characteristic of a patient tothe central server via the network, to receive at least one programmableparameter from the central server via the network, and to program themedical device using the at least one programmable parameter, whereinthe central server includes a plurality of expert prescription systems,each defined by an expert to prescribe at least one parameter of amedical device based on at least one characteristic of a patient, andwherein at least one of the central server and medical device programmeris configured to allow a user to select one of the plurality of expertprescription systems for prescribing the at least one parameter.
 2. Thecentralized management system of claim 1, wherein the network is a widearea network.
 3. The centralized management system of claim 1, whereinthe central server includes at least one custom prescription system. 4.The centralized management system of claim 1, wherein the medical deviceprogrammer includes an interface to receive signals from a patientmonitoring system that represent at least one of the at least onecharacteristic of the patient.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thenetwork includes the Internet.
 6. A centralized management system formedical devices, comprising: a network; a central server coupled to thenetwork and including at least one prescription system for prescribingat least one programmable parameter of a medical device based upon atleast one characteristic of a patient; and a medical device programmercoupled to the network and configured to communicate at least onecharacteristic of a patient to the central server via the network, toreceive at least one programmable parameter from the central server viathe network, and to program the medical device using the at least oneprogrammable parameter wherein the central server includes a pluralityof custom prescription systems, each defined by a user to prescribe atleast one parameter of a medical device based on at least onecharacteristic of a patient, and wherein at least one of the centralserver and medical device programmer is configured to allow a user touse only a custom prescription system defined by that user from amongthe custom prescription systems.
 7. The centralized management system ofclaim 6, wherein the central server includes at least one expertprescription system.
 8. The centralized management system of claim 6,wherein the medical device programmer includes an interface to receivesignals from a patient records computer system that represent at leastone of the at least one characteristic of the patient.
 9. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the network includes the Internet.
 10. A centralizedmanagement system for medical devices, comprising: a network; a centralserver coupled to the network and including at least one prescriptionsystem for prescribing at least one programmable parameter of a medicaldevice based upon at least one characteristic of a patient; and amedical device programmer coupled to the network and configured tocommunicate at least one characteristic of a patient to the centralserver via the network, to receive at least one programmable parameterfrom the central server via the network, and to program the medicaldevice using the at least one programmable parameter, wherein thecentral server includes at least one expert prescription system, and atleast one custom prescription system, and at least one of the centralserver and the medical device programmer is configured to allow a userto select one of the expert and custom prescription systems.
 11. Thecentralized management system of claim 10, wherein the medical deviceprogrammer is configured to program an implantable medical device. 12.The centralized management system of claim 10, wherein the medicaldevice programmer includes an interface to receive signals from at leastone user input device that represent at least one of the at least onecharacteristic of the patient.
 13. The centralized management system ofclaim 10, wherein the medical device programmer includes an interface toreceive signals from the medical device that represent at least one ofthe at least one characteristic of the patient.
 14. The method of claim10, wherein the network includes the Internet.
 15. A central server foruse in a centralized management system for medical devices, comprising:a network interface for communicating with a medical device programmerover a network; and at least one prescription system coupled to thenetwork interface, each configured to receive at least onecharacteristic of a patient from the medical device programmer via thenetwork, to prescribe at least one programmable parameter of a medicaldevice based on the at least one characteristic of the patient, and totransmit the at least one prescribed programmable parameter of themedical device to the medical device programmer via the network, whereinthe at least one prescription system includes a plurality of expertprescription systems, each defined by an expert to prescribe at leastone parameter of a medical device based on at least one characteristicof a patient, and wherein one of the plurality of expert prescriptionsystems is selectable by a user for prescribing the at least oneparameter.
 16. The central server of claim 15, wherein the networkinterface is configured for communicating over a wide area network. 17.The central server of claim 15, wherein the at least one prescriptionsystem includes at least one custom prescription system.
 18. The methodof claim 15, wherein the network includes the Internet.
 19. A centralserver for use in a centralized management system for medical devices,comprising: a network interface for communicating with a medical deviceprogrammer over a network; and at least one prescription system coupledto the network interface, each configured to receive at least onecharacteristic of a patient from the medical device programmer via thenetwork, to prescribe at least one programmable parameter of a medicaldevice based on the at least one characteristic of the patient, and totransmit the at least one prescribed programmable parameter of themedical device to the medical device programmer via the network, whereinthe at least one prescription system includes a plurality of customprescription systems, each defined by a user to prescribe at least oneparameter of a medical device based on at least one characteristic of apatient, and wherein only a custom prescription system defined by a useris employable by that user from among the custom prescription systems.20. The central server of claim 19, wherein the at least oneprescription system includes at least one expert prescription system.21. The method of claim 19, wherein the network includes the Internet.22. A central server for use in a centralized management system formedical devices, comprising: a network interface for communicating witha medical device programmer over a network; and at least oneprescription system coupled to the network interface, each configured toreceive at least one characteristic of a patient from the medical deviceprogrammer via the network, to prescribe at least one programmableparameter of a medical device based on the at least one characteristicof the patient, and to transmit the at least one prescribed programmableparameter of the medical device to the medical device programmer via thenetwork, wherein the at least one prescription system includes at leastone expert prescription system and at least one custom prescriptionsystem, and one of the expert and custom prescription systems isselectable by a user.
 23. The central server of claim 22, wherein the atleast one prescription system is configured to prescribe at least oneparameter of an implantable medical device.
 24. The method of claim 22,wherein the network includes the Internet.
 25. A medical deviceprogrammer for use in a centralized management system for medicaldevices, comprising: a network interface for communicating over anetwork with at least one prescription system residing on a centralserver; a medical device interface for communicating with a medicaldevice; a processor coupled to the network interface and the medicaldevice interface, and configured to communicate at least onecharacteristic of a patient to the central server via the network, toreceive at least one prescribed programmable parameter of the medicaldevice from the central server via the network, and to program themedical device using the at least one prescribed programmable parameterof the medical device via the medical device interface; and an inputdevice interface for receiving an input signal from a user that selectsone of a plurality of expert prescription systems hosted by the centralserver to prescribe the at least one parameter.
 26. The medical deviceprogrammer of claim 25, wherein the network interface is configured forcommunicating with the central server over a wide area network.
 27. Themedical device programmer of claim 25, wherein the medical deviceinterface is for communicating with an implantable medical device. 28.The medical device programmer of claim 25, further comprising a patientrecords computer system interface to receive signals from a patientrecords computer system that represent at least one patientcharacteristic for communication to the central server.
 29. The methodof claim 25, wherein the network includes the Internet.
 30. A medicaldevice programmer for use in a centralized management system for medicaldevices, comprising: a network interface for communicating over anetwork with at least one prescription system residing on a centralserver; a medical device interface for communicating with a medicaldevice; a processor coupled to the network interface and the medicaldevice interface, and configured to communicate at least onecharacteristic of a patient to the central server via the network, toreceive at least one prescribed programmable parameter of the medicaldevice from the central server via the network, and to program themedical device using the at least one prescribed programmable parameterof the medical device via the medical device interface; and an inputdevice interface for receiving an input signal from a user that selectsa user-defined custom prescription system hosted by the central serverto prescribe the at least one parameter.
 31. The medical deviceprogrammer of claim 30, further comprising a user input device interfaceto receive signals from at least one user input device that represent atleast one patient characteristic for communication to the centralserver.
 32. The medical device programmer of claim 30, wherein signalsreceived from the medical device via the medical device interfacerepresent at least one patient characteristic for communication to thecentral server.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the network includesthe Internet.
 34. A medical device programmer for use in a centralizedmanagement system for medical devices, comprising: a network interfacefor communicating over a network with at least one prescription systemresiding on a central server; a medical device interface forcommunicating with a medical device; a processor coupled to the networkinterface and the medical device interface, and configured tocommunicate at least one characteristic of a patient to the centralserver via the network, to receive at least one prescribed programmableparameter of the medical device from the central server via the network,and to program the medical device using the at least one prescribedprogrammable parameter of the medical device via the medical deviceinterface; and an input device interface for receiving an input signalfrom a user that selects one of an expert prescription system and acustom prescription system hosted by the central server.
 35. The medicaldevice programmer 34, further comprising a patient monitoring systeminterface to receive signals from a patient monitoring system thatrepresent at least one patient characteristic for communication to thecentral server.
 36. The method of claim 34, wherein the network includesthe Internet.
 37. A method of programming a programmable medical devicecomprising: determining at least one characteristic of a patient at aprogrammer; communicating the at least one characteristic to a centralserver; determining at least one programmable parameter for a medicaldevice based on the at least one characteristic using a prescriptionsystem hosted by the central server; communicating the at least oneprogrammable parameter to the programmer; and programming the medicaldevice using the at least one programmable parameter, wherein thecentral server hosts a plurality of expert prescription systems definedby a plurality of experts, further comprising querying the user todetermine which of the expert prescription systems to use.
 38. Themethod of claim 37, wherein determining the at least one characteristicof the patient at the programmer includes receiving signals from a userinput device.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein determining the atleast one characteristic of the patient at the programmer includesreceiving signals from the medical device.
 40. The method of claim 37,wherein determining the at least one programmable parameter includesusing a custom prescription system hosted by the central server.
 41. Amethod of programming a programmable medical device comprising:determining at least one characteristic of a patient at a programmer;communicating the at least one characteristic to a central server;determining at least one programmable parameter for a medical devicebased on the at least one characteristic using a prescription systemhosted by the central server; communicating the at least oneprogrammable parameter to the programmer; and programming the medicaldevice using the at least one programmable parameter, wherein thecentral server hosts a plurality of custom prescription systems, furthercomprising giving a user access to only a custom prescription systemdefined by that user from among the custom prescription systems.
 42. Themethod of claim 41, wherein determining the at least one characteristicof the patient at the programmer includes receiving signals from apatient monitoring system.
 43. The method of claim 41, whereincommunicating the at least one characteristic to the central server andcommunicating the at least one programmable parameter to the programmereach includes communicating over a wide area network.
 44. The method ofclaim 41, wherein the medical device is an implantable medical device.45. A method of programming a programmable medical device comprising:determining at least one characteristic of a patient at a programmer;communicating the at least one characteristic to a central server;determining at least one programmable parameter for a medical devicebased on the at least one characteristic using a prescription systemhosted by the central server; communicating the at least oneprogrammable parameter to the programmer; and programming the medicaldevice using the at least one programmable parameter, wherein thecentral server hosts at least one expert prescription system and atleast one custom prescription system, further comprising querying theuser to determine which of the hosted prescription systems to use. 46.The method of claim 45, wherein determining the at least onecharacteristic of the patient at the programmer includes receivingsignals from a patient records system.
 47. The method of claim 45,wherein determining the at least one programmable parameter includesusing an expert prescription system hosted by the central server.